The UTSA Roadrunners delivered a commanding performance in the 2024 Myrtle Beach Bowl, defeating the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers 44-15. UTSA (7-6) started strong and never looked back, scoring the game’s first 27 points and setting the stage for the largest margin of victory in the bowl’s five-year history.
After a scoreless first quarter, UTSA exploded offensively in the second. Quarterback Owen McCown showcased his dual-threat capabilities, throwing a 6-yard touchdown pass to Patrick Overmyer and breaking loose for a dazzling 35-yard touchdown run, evading multiple tackles near the goal line. Running back Brandon High contributed with a 9-yard scoring run, giving the Roadrunners a 21-0 halftime lead.
McCown was nearly flawless in the first half, completing 14 of 17 passes for 183 yards. Meanwhile, Coastal Carolina’s offense struggled to gain traction, punting on their first five drives and managing only 140 total yards in the half—60 of which came during a late second-quarter drive that ultimately stalled at the red zone.
UTSA continued their dominance in the second half, adding two short field goals while stifling Coastal Carolina’s offense. The Chanticleers, led by third-string quarterback Tad Hudson, went three-and-out on their first two drives after halftime. The Roadrunners’ defense extended their streak of games with an interception and a sack to 23 when Jakevian Rodgers grabbed his first career pick, shutting down a potential Coastal scoring opportunity.
Hudson, making his first career start, faced the uphill battle of replacing both starting quarterback Ethan Vasko and backup Noah Kim. Despite his inexperience, Hudson managed two fourth-quarter touchdown passes, including a 50-yard strike to Bryson Graves. However, any momentum Coastal hoped to build was immediately quashed when UTSA’s Chris Carpenter returned the ensuing kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown, widening the gap to 34-7.
The Roadrunners’ offensive onslaught was particularly impressive considering the absence of their leading rusher, Robert Henry. Despite this, UTSA tallied 257 rushing yards, with McCown, High, and Will Henderson III each finding the end zone on the ground. McCown also finished with 254 passing yards and a touchdown.
UTSA head coach Jeff Traylor praised his team’s energy and resilience after the game. “I didn’t see any negative energy from the Roadrunners. We were just getting after it,” Traylor said. “If you don’t like that, man, you probably shouldn’t come watch the Roadrunners play.”
For Coastal Carolina (6-7), the game was a frustrating conclusion to a season that began with promise but was marred by inconsistency and injuries. The Chanticleers, playing at their home stadium in Conway, South Carolina, struggled to capitalize on their familiar surroundings. Penalties plagued the team throughout the game, including multiple personal fouls and a memorable “false start ... everyone but the center” call late in the first half.
Head coach Tim Beck acknowledged his team’s frustration but refrained from delving into specifics. “It just wasn’t our day,” Beck said. “The guys played hard, and they kept fighting, but we didn’t have all our weapons, and it showed.”
Coastal’s struggles extended to the run game, as standout running back Braydon Bennett was limited to less than three yards per carry. Even positive moments, such as linebacker Shane Bruce’s third-quarter interception, were bittersweet. Bruce, returning from a knee injury, briefly left the game after re-aggravating the injury during the celebration.
While UTSA celebrated their second consecutive bowl victory, Coastal Carolina faces an offseason full of questions. The Chanticleers must replace key players, including their starting quarterback and offensive coordinator, as they look to rebound in 2025.
Beck, however, remained optimistic about the program’s future. “This game isn’t a true testament to what our team will be,” he said. “We’ll fix it, and we’ll be fine.”
As the Roadrunners bask in their historic Myrtle Beach Bowl victory, Coastal Carolina begins the challenging process of rebuilding and preparing for a fresh start in the next season.
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